Dare to Live Without Limits 4/19/2021

By: 
Bryan Golden

Tempting as it may be, mistakes aren’t a reason to turn back

When the going gets tough, the idea of turning back is tempting. However, progress in life is never achieved by retreating. "I can't do this," "Nothing ever works for me," or "I always have bad luck," are thoughts we first experience as children. Carrying them into adulthood is self-defeating.
Anything worthwhile in life takes effort. Nothing is ever accomplished by turning back when faced with adversity. Reaching your goals requires solving problems and overcoming obstacles. The more ambitious your goals, the more effort is required to attain them.
The only way of reaching the top of a mountain is by climbing up. Turning back before getting to the summit prevents you from reaching your goals. Regardless of how steep it gets, you must keep going.
Turning back is a retreat from success. Turning back is akin to failure. Once your forward progress ceases, your objectives won’t be obtained. Only by persisting will you achieve your goals.
Not everything you attempt will work as planned. Encountering roadblocks is normal. Pitfalls are to be expected. Unanticipated problems materialize. Challenges are part of the process. That’s why the maximum, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” is so true.
Mistakes are never justification for turning back. Mistakes indicate areas needing improvement. Mistakes are a learning opportunity. Mistakes drive innovation and discovery. Mistakes enable you to move forward with more wisdom.
Your life is your responsibility. Turning back negates any progress you’ve made. Don’t whine, complain, or blame others. You have to pick yourself up if you fall, no one will do it for you.
Focus on your strengths in order to move forward. Dwelling on what you consider weaknesses drives the desire to turn back. Your assets are what you already have. Utilize them to push ahead.
Complaining pulls you backward by fixating on problems. Complaining obsesses about what is wrong. Once a problem is identified, devote all of your energy to finding a positive solution. Replace complaining with taking the action necessary to solve your problem.
Eliminate self- defeating thoughts. Tell yourself what you can and will do. Regardless of what obstacles you are facing, there is a way to move forward. Tap into your drive and determination. Unwavering perseverance is a key component of success. If you are going through hell, you must keep going until you emerge.
Keep learning with each step forward. Adapt and adjust as needed. Notice which actions are effective and which are not. Do more of what works while eliminating ineffective strategies. Be willing to make changes when appropriate.
Adversity makes you stronger by identifying areas needing improvement. The more challenges you overcome, the more you are prepared for new challenges. Successful people are adept at problem solving. They understand that obstacles are a part of the journey.
Be friendly to everyone, but be selective as to who your friends are. Connect with others who share your ambitions. You will motivate each other to keep going. Ignore naysayers because they pull you backwards.
Don’t look for issues to be offended by. There is enough to deal with without looking for problems. If someone is offensive, ignore them. If you don’t like what you are watching or reading, stop watching or reading it. When you allow people or circumstances to offend you, you are wasting energy you could be using to move forward.
The road to success starts with leaving your comfort zone. The prospect of turning back towards what is familiar is tempting. Life moves forward, never backwards. Always keep your focus on where you want to go, not on where you have been.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2021 Bryan Golden

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